Following the success of its newest festival in Maryport earlier this month, the main event will return to its original location in Cockermouth on Saturday 25 and Sunday 26 September, with launch events on the Friday night.

This year’s festival will be smaller than previous years to ensure visitor numbers are manageable, but there will still be plenty of activities taking place.

The ever-popular producers’ market will take place on Main Street, while over in Memorial Gardens Car Park, off Wakefield Road, will be the drinks tent and picnic area. New for 2021 are two exclusive events at the Tithe Tap, the town’s newest venue. They feature a cocktail masterclass on the Friday and a spirit tasting night with The Lakes Distillery. There will also be a comedy night on the Friday at Cockermouth Cricket Club and plenty of musical entertainment throughout the weekend.

Market Place will host a street party, with plenty of local hospitality businesses selling their wares, while elsewhere in town, there will be children’s activities with Rainbow Jelly and street theatre from the Fairly Famous Family, and the chance to watch some of the county’s amazing chefs at work in the demo kitchen.

New for this year will be exclusive cocktail masterclasses and a Taste of the Lakes night with the team from the Lakes Distillery at Cockermouth’s newest venue, the Tithe Tap, a speakeasy-style bar on Station Street.

As always, loads of the town’s businesses will be getting involved, including SLO Food Suppers – a Cockermouth business which focuses on seasonal, local and organic food. They’re offering a special Taste Cumbria weekend menu.

Taste Cumbria is organised by Allerdale Borough Council and supported by Cockermouth Town Council, The Coffee Kitchen Bakery, Bottled in Cumbria, Tractor Shed Brewing and The Trout Hotel.

Councillor Mike Johnson, the Leader of Allerdale Borough Council, said:

“The festival in Maryport was excellent and now we can’t wait to do it all over again in Cockermouth. It’s a chance for people to get together, have some fun and some fabulous food and drink, and give a great boost to the local economy too. Enjoy!”

Trader pitches are still available for the Producers’ Market and hot food court. For more information, email ellie.jones@allerdale.gov.uk or call call 01900 702969.

Tickets for the comedy night, cocktail masterclasses and Taste of the Lakes Distillery night are on sale now at www.visitallerdale.co.uk/taste-cumbria-home. Follow Taste Cumbria on Facebook and Twitter for the latest updates.

This festival will be followed by another festive favourite - Taste Cumbria Christmas in Cockermouth on 11 & 12 December 2021.